observance

noun

ob·​ser·​vance əb-ˈzər-vən(t)s 

1

a

: a customary practice, rite, or ceremony

Sabbath observances

b

: a rule governing members of a religious order

2

: an act or instance of following a custom, rule, or law

observance of the speed limits

3

: an act or instance of watching

Synonyms

• adherence
• compliance
• observation
• conformity

Examples of observance in a Sentence

the observance of this family tradition would make your grandmother very happy

observance of the smoking ban in public buildings

Recent Examples on the Web

Similar jijingu have been found across the Baekje kingdom’s capital, and offer a window into religious observances at the time—a mix of indigenous Korean animism combined with outside Buddhist and Chinese influences. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 16 Oct. 2025

While not part of any official observance, the gestures were widely shared by groups like the Turning Point USA Facebook community, which reposted photos of participants nationwide. —Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025

Assistance League holds clothing drive The nonprofit Assistance League of Rancho San Dieguito holds a Kids Clothing Drive throughout October in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. —Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Oct. 2025

Local services like garbage pickup and libraries may close in observance of the holiday as well. —Addy Bink, The Hill, 12 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English observaunce, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French observance, borrowed from Latin observantia "action of watching, deferential regard, adherence to rules" (Late Latin also "adherence to divine law, religious rites"), derivative of observant-, observans, present participle of observāre "to give attention to, observe"

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

observance

noun

ob·​ser·​vance əb-ˈzər-vən(t)s 

1

: an established practice or ceremony

religious observances

2

: an act of following a custom, rule, or law

3

: an act or instance of watching